A review by iggnaseous
Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, by James Luceno

4.0

A story that follows an energy researcher, his family, and the machinations of his former classmate to lure him into working for the empire’s secret weapons program doesn’t sound like a good premise for a Star Wars story. And yet, Luceno has managed to weave a compelling narrative from that as a starting point. The novel centers on the dance between Erso, a morally conflicted pacifist and brilliant scientist, and Krennic, equally brilliant in terms of strategy and deception. Both are well drawn and intriguing characters. Mostly the novel adds to the emotional weight of the events of Star Wars Rogue One--in one sense it's the “origin story” of Jyn Erso and deepens the apologetic for her father’s involvement in constructing the Death Star--though it is quite exciting and entertaining on its own. Recommeneded to hard core fans and/or those interested in more details about the events in Rogue One.